KAUST ScaleX recently completed its Fast-Track edition, bringing global technology companies — with a combined valuation of about US$970 million — to Saudi Arabia to explore market entry, partnerships, investment opportunities, and long-term growth in the Kingdom.
Designed to help global technology companies explore opportunities in the Saudi market, the Fast-Track edition supported eight deep-tech companies from five countries operating across strategic technology sectors, including advanced computing, energy and environment, healthtech, biotechnology and new materials, and mobility.
Fast-Track began virtually, with companies learning about the Saudi market. These sessions covered areas such as regulation, fundraising, business culture, proof-of-concept design, and go-to-market readiness. Upon their arrival at KAUST, the focus shifted to deeper market preparation, business planning, and building relationships within the cohort and the KAUST ecosystem. Finally, in Riyadh, the focus shifted to direct market engagement.
During the program, companies met with government entities, investors, corporations, potential customers, and ecosystem partners to better understand where their technologies could create value in Saudi Arabia.
The KAUST ScaleX Mixer, held at SAB Innovation Centre in Riyadh, brought together the ScaleX companies with investors, industry representatives, ScaleX partners, and other ecosystem stakeholders, creating a platform for introductions, technology showcases, and business discussions.
ScaleX startups gained additional exposure during LEAP, Saudi Arabia’s flagship global technology event, where they connected with potential customers, partners, investors, and other technology companies. With the program now complete, ScaleX will continue supporting the companies as those connections develop into partnerships, pilots, and commercial opportunities.
For ScaleX, the real impact will be what happens next: whether these connections help global technology companies establish a long-term presence in Saudi Arabia.